Drum and Bass (D&B) music has evolved from its humble beginnings in the UK underground scene to charge into the global music scene and become a phenomenon and the emergence of the biggest Drum and Bass legends. In this article, we delve into the realm of drum and bass to unveil the top artists who stand as a testament to creativity and mastery in this exhilarating genre.
Our Requirements to Make the List
To earn a spot on our list of biggest drum and bass artists, these legends must showcase innovation, constantly pushing the genre’s boundaries with fresh sounds and creative production. We prioritize those with a lasting impact, shaping the scene and influencing future generations.
Consistency in quality is key — one-hit wonders don’t cut. Lastly, respect within the community and a diverse range of sounds across sub-genres solidify their place as true legends in Drum & Bass. These artists don’t just follow trends; they set them. Their work continues to resonate across global stages and inspire new waves of talent, ensuring their legacy lives on for years to come.
Best Drum and Bass Artists
Goldie
Goldie is often remarked as one of the Drum and Bass Legends, having played a crucial role in shaping Drum and Bass Music. Goldie has maintained his status as one of the biggest names in drum and bass music for decades and good reason. As a producer, DJ, and founder of Metalheadz, Goldie’s influence on the various genres within drum and bass music is paramount.
His seminal album “Timeless” (released in 1995) is a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of drum and bass, solidifying his status as a true visionary in the electronic music scene. In 2012, he was selected as one of the BBC’s New Elizabethans, 60 people – ranging from David Hockney to Roald Dahl, David Bowie and Tim Berners-Lee – who have helped shape British culture during the reign of Elizabeth II. Four years later, he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
Andy C
Andy C has been an important figure in the D&B scene for decades. As a DJ, producer, and founder of Ram Records, he has consistently delivered groundbreaking tracks and electrifying performances, earning him widespread acclaim.
His meticulous mixing and unmatched stage presence make him a true icon in the world of drum and bass. His skills behind the decks have caused many of the top DJs and producers in the electronic music industry to consider Andy C’s mixing abilities second to none when it comes to drum and bass music.
Noisia
Hailing from the Netherlands, Noisia is a trio that has redefined the boundaries of drum and bass creating breakthrough tracks in the DnB subgenres of neurofunk and techstep.
With an unparalleled ability to blend intricate sound design and mind-bending rhythms, Noisia has become synonymous with innovation in the genre.
Their recent performances at some of the world’s top electronic music festivals have helped them bridge gaps introducing drum and bass to fans from other electronic music genres, often for the first time. Their tracks are a sonic journey, showcasing a level of production expertise that has set new standards within the electronic music landscape.
DJ SUV
DJ SUV is one of the Drum and Bass Legends, celebrated for his influential contributions that helped shape the genre’s foundation. Known for his innovative mixing techniques and distinctive sound, SUV was instrumental in bringing the genre to a broader audience in the 1990s.
As a key member of the Mercury Prize Award-winning group Roni Size Reprazent, he played a vital role in the collective’s groundbreaking fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic elements, exemplified in their iconic album New Forms, for which DJ Suv produced the title track among other hit songs. His work not only pushed the boundaries of drum and bass but also paved the way for future artists in the genre.
Justin Hawkes
Justin Hawkes is a multifaceted artist in the drum and bass community in America, who many may also remember as Flite. Under both Flite and Justin Hawkes, this force in the American drum and bass scene has been making its mark with new releases that have captured the attention of drum and bass DJs and fans alike.
Hawkes’ journey began during the rise of the UK’s music culture, where he developed an early fascination with the burgeoning drum and bass movement performing under the artist name Flite.
Today Justin Hawkes is at the forefront of U.S. drum and bass culture and his music has been getting recognition and plays from some of the biggest names in drum and bass music around the world. Even legendary DnB producers like AK1200 have called Justin Hawkes one of the ones to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Chase & Status
Saul Milton and Will Kennard first launched their drum and bass music production duo Chase & Status back in 2003 after meeting in London. After a steady stream of singles and remixes, the duo had their first of three number-one hits on the UK Dance Singles Chart in 2007. The double-track release featuring “Hurt You” and “Sell Me Your Soul” cemented their distinct style and marked them as a talent to watch.
By the mid-2010s, their productions began incorporating elements of genres such as hip-hop and grime, further broadening their appeal. Major mainstream pop artists, notably Rihanna, soon recognized their abilities and hired them as producers on three of her hit albums. Chase & Status continues to produce music while touring extensively worldwide, with their recent international 2 Ruff Tour being a huge success.
Sub Focus
A more contemporary drum and bass artist with commercial appeal is Sub Focus, the English DJ and producer who began his career in the early 2000s. After initially experimenting with rock music, Sub Focus branched into electronic music after high school and released demo CDs.
In 2003, he got his big break with RAM Records, becoming a famous DJ in the drum and bass scene with regular gigs at clubs and festivals. By the late 2009s, he had hit the UK Top 40 charts with “Rock It/Follow the Light,” which led to remixes of tracks by iconic acts, including The Prodigy.
His 2010 album Torus was another commercial success, featuring several charting singles and being accompanied by headline events in the UK festival scene. Sub Focus has made several appearances as a drum and bass DJ on Radio 1, raising his profile among mainstream music fans.
Netsky
Belgium-based drum and bass artist Netsky has arguably done more than most of his contemporaries to help bring the genre to the masses. Initially working on productions in the liquid drum and bass style, his discography has expanded to cover various styles.
Throughout the late 2009s, Netsky partnered with the iconic label Hospital Records on a string of releases, working with artists including London Electricity and High Contrast. By the 2010s, he had gained the attention of the mainstream label Epic Records, catapulting his releases into commercial territory.
In 2012, Netsky launched the Netsky Live! project during the Hospitality Festival at Brixton Academy and redefined drum and bass live performances. His 2015 track, “Rio,” which featured Digital Farm Animals, was certified Silver and led to high-profile remixes of artists such as Dua Lipa and Keys N Krates.
Dillinja
No discussion of iconic drum and bass DJs is complete without a mention of the music producer and DJ Dillinja, who hit the scene in 1991. A key player in the early evolution of the drum and bass music DJ culture, he also helped shape the offshoot jungle genre.
Known for his rugged sense of style and aggressive drums and basslines, Dillinja’s work covers a vast discography of singles and albums. Many of his early singles were released on Cybertron and Deadly Vinyl before he established his record label, Valve Recordings, in the early 2000s. Through this label, which he ran with the drum and bass producer Lemon D, he broke into the mainstream club scene with an appearance at Fabric in London.
In 2003, his single “Twist Em Out” landed at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart, further enhancing his reputation and name recognition.
High Contrast
Like many of the best DNB artists, High Contrast hailed from the United Kingdom and entered the DJ production scene in the 1990s. His work began to take off in the early 2000s, earning him a reputation among fans as a producer of exceptional talent.
In 2002, he released his debut album, True Colours, on the Hospital Records label, home to many of that generation’s best drum and bass artists. With a string of singles soon following, High Contrast’s profile was raised by appearances on the BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix and in major nightclubs. By 2009, his reputation in the drum and bass scene was cemented with his most successful release to date, the gold-certified Confidential.
Before long, High Contrast was performing at international festivals, including Coachella, while working on the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.